§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the present bed availability for geriatric patients at hospitals in the Wandsworth division of the Wandsworth, Merton, Sutton area health authority.
§ Sir George YoungThe information requested is not held centrally, but the average daily number of geriatric beds in Wandsworth and East Merton health district in 1978 was 248.
§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what discussion is taking place with geriatric patients at present resident in St. Benedict's hospital, S.W.17, as to which hospital they would like to be transferred to;
(2) what financial assistance is to be given to those hospitals to which geriatric patients from St. Benedict's hospital, Tooting S.W.17, are to be transferred.
§ Sir George YoungResponsibility for arranging the transfer of patients from St. Benedicts' hospital rests with the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth area health authority (teaching). The hon. Member may like to raise these matters direct with that authority.
§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many geriatric patients have been discharged from geriatric hospitals in the Wandsworth, Merton and Sutton area health authority in each of the past five years.
§ Sir George YoungDeaths and discharges from geriatric beds in Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth area health authority were follows:
63W
1974 2,553 1975 2,598 1976 2,717 1977 3,236 1978 3,254
§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what discussions he is having with the social services department of Wandsworth borough council to ensure there are sufficient local social services available to assist patients discharged from local geriatric hospitals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungNone. I would expect local authorities and area health authorities to resolve any difficulties by mutual discussion without the need for central involvement.
§ Mr. Thomas Coxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is able to give any figures as to the number of patients treated in geriatric hospitals in the Wandsworth division of the Wandsworth, Merton and Sutton area health authority, but whose home is not normally in the London area.
§ Sir George YoungThe information requested is not collected centrally. The hon. Member may like to approach the Merton, Sutton and Wandsworth area health authority (teaching) direct.